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Myrtle Beach in December suits travelers who enjoy a quieter coast, cooler afternoons, and holiday entertainment. Beach walks, golf, shopping, and seasonal shows can fill a relaxed getaway, although ocean swimming and a full summer beach-service experience are less likely to be part of the trip.
The key is to plan around shorter days and changing weather. Choose outdoor activities for milder afternoons, leave room for indoor attractions, and reserve popular holiday experiences ahead of time.
This guide covers December weather, what to pack, things to do, 2026 holiday events, a three-day itinerary, and where to stay. For broader planning advice, explore our Myrtle Beach travel tips.
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December brings cool mornings and evenings, with afternoons that can be comfortable for sightseeing. Coastal wind and rain can make the temperature feel lower, so a sunny forecast does not always mean you can leave your jacket behind.
The National Weather Service lists an average December high of 59.3°F and an average low of 40°F for nearby North Myrtle Beach, based on its 1991–2020 climate normals. Monthly rainfall averages about 3.1 inches. These long-term averages offer a planning guide rather than a prediction for your travel dates.
A beach walk or round of golf may fit a mild afternoon, while dinner and evening light displays call for warmer layers. Check the Myrtle Beach forecast before you travel and again before weather-dependent activities.
Ocean water is usually too cool for comfortable swimming for most visitors. If swimming matters to your trip, choose accommodation with an indoor pool.
Pack for a winter coastal getaway, with clothing you can adjust as the day warms up or the wind picks up.
Marina Inn’s indoor pool and fitness center give guests another way to enjoy their stay when outdoor plans change.
A December itinerary works best with a mix of outdoor time, indoor entertainment, and evenings set aside for seasonal experiences.
The shoreline offers space for a peaceful walk outside the busiest summer months. Plan for late morning or afternoon when temperatures are milder, or bundle up for sunrise photography.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is another option for ocean views and a walk before lunch. Be mindful of wind, especially if you are traveling with children or expect to spend a long time outside.
Marina Inn’s beach services operate seasonally. Check availability rather than assuming summer services such as beach transportation, chairs, umbrellas, and food and beverage service will be offered in December.
Keep an indoor attraction in your itinerary for a cold or rainy afternoon. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach pairs naturally with a visit to Broadway at the Beach and is a useful choice for families.
WonderWorks offers interactive exhibits and indoor activities. Review its location information and opening hours before setting your schedule.
The Hollywood Wax Museum in Myrtle Beach provides another indoor stop. Its main website also provides visitor information. Choose an attraction that suits your group’s interests rather than filling every day with the same type of activity.
On a mild afternoon, December can be a pleasant time for golf. The Grande Dunes Resort Course offers a convenient option for Marina Inn guests, with holes along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Check tee times and course conditions before organizing the rest of your day around a round. Allow flexibility if colder weather changes your plans.
If golf is a priority, compare Marina Inn’s golf packages for your dates to see which option fits your stay.
Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and The Market Common combine shopping and dining, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing and stop for a meal.
These districts include outdoor areas, so bring layers and rain protection rather than treating them as entirely indoor alternatives. For more ideas, explore our Myrtle Beach shopping guide.
Holiday schedules can differ between stores, restaurants, and attractions. Check Broadway at the Beach hours, Barefoot Landing hours, and The Market Common visitor information when planning your visit.
Make time for a leisurely meal between sightseeing and holiday entertainment. Hook & Barrel and Sea Captain’s House offer options for travelers interested in seafood, with Sea Captain’s House providing an oceanfront setting.
Marina Inn guests can dine on property at WaterScapes Restaurant or visit Reflections Kitchen & Bar. An on-property meal can be especially convenient after a full day out or on a colder evening.
Explore more places to eat in Myrtle Beach, and confirm holiday hours before making plans for Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Enjoy sun-kissed beaches, thrilling attractions, and endless adventure.
Holiday lights and live performances give December its own character. These three experiences offer different ways to spend an evening, from walking through illuminated gardens to watching a show indoors.
Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens combines illuminated garden paths, hand-lit candles, and holiday lights.
December 2026 dates: December 3–6, 10–13, 17–20, and 29–31, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, south of Myrtle Beach.
Tickets: Listed non-member admission is $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 4–12; member pricing is available.
Allow time for the drive and dress for an outdoor evening. Select your date before arranging dinner so the two plans fit comfortably together.
The Great Christmas Light Show features more than two million lights along a two-mile drive through the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex.
2026 dates: November 23–December 30; closed November 26 and December 25. Gates open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Standard vehicles are listed at $25 on Santa’s Village nights and $20 on selected non-village nights through December 9. Admission is purchased at the entrance.
You can enjoy the drive-through displays from your car, then visit Santa’s Village when it is operating. Check the official event schedule for village dates and any updates before traveling north.
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special brings together live music, comedy, dance, and festive staging at the theater on North Kings Highway.
This indoor experience is a useful choice when you want an evening activity that is less dependent on the weather. Choose a performance that fits your travel dates and review the official ticket calendar for current times, seating, and prices.
For more seasonal ideas, explore our Myrtle Beach Christmas guide.
Early December generally offers a quieter pace than Christmas week and the days leading into New Year’s. Choose your dates based on whether you prefer a relaxed visit or want to travel during the main holiday period.
Reserve popular shows and dining ahead of time, and check seasonal hours for the attractions you most want to visit. Keep at least one indoor alternative available for days when wind or rain changes your plans.
When comparing accommodation, review the dates and terms of each offer. Marina Inn’s holiday packages and special offers are useful starting points; availability and inclusions can vary.
Use this itinerary as a flexible starting point, adjusting outdoor activities to the forecast and evening plans to event availability.
Start with a late-morning beach or boardwalk walk, then spend the afternoon at Broadway at the Beach or The Market Common. Finish with dinner nearby or return to Marina Inn for a relaxed evening on property.
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium or WonderWorks during the day. In the evening, choose the Carolina Opry Christmas Special, the Great Christmas Light Show, or Nights of a Thousand Candles if your dates match its schedule. Plan the drive and dinner around your chosen event.
On a mild day, book a round at the Grande Dunes Resort Course or explore Myrtle Beach State Park. Check park hours and conditions before setting out.
If the weather turns rainy or cold, enjoy another indoor attraction, revisit a shopping district between showers, or spend time at the resort’s indoor pool.
For a winter trip, consider how your hotel supports both planned activities and time spent indoors. Look for convenient dining, indoor amenities, enough room for your group, and a setting that suits your itinerary.
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a waterfront home base for golf, shopping, and holiday outings. Its location is on the waterway rather than directly on the ocean, a useful distinction when choosing where to stay.
The Grande Guest Rooms are 435 square feet, with a king bed or two queen beds, private balconies, and a maximum guest count of four. They suit couples and smaller groups who want a comfortable base for shorter visits.
For more space, the two-bedroom condo suites offer 1,200 square feet and accommodate up to eight guests, with a full kitchen, separate living area, and two bathrooms. Those features can be useful for families planning Myrtle Beach activities or groups who want room to gather between outings.
Choose your room around your group size, preferred layout, and how much time you expect to spend at the resort.
Yes, if your plans include beach walks, golf, shopping, indoor attractions, and holiday entertainment. Travelers seeking warm ocean swimming or a summer beach experience may prefer a different season.
Ocean water and air temperatures are usually too cool for comfortable swimming for most visitors. A hotel with an indoor pool offers a more comfortable winter option.
Many remain open, but seasonal and holiday hours vary. Confirm schedules with each attraction, particularly around Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Christmas week can be busier than early December, especially at seasonal events and popular restaurants. Book accommodation, shows, and dining ahead if you have specific plans.
Build your December getaway around the experiences you enjoy most, whether that means an afternoon on the golf course, a waterfront dinner, or an evening of Christmas lights. A flexible itinerary lets you enjoy the coast while making room for changing weather.
Explore Marina Inn at Grande Dunes’ current offers, choose the room that suits your trip, and book your December stay.
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